I will not be so kind the next time, Sultan Ibrahim warns MPs
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim addressed Parliament for the first time today as the Malaysian King, warning Members of Parliament that he expects the 222 elected representatives to behave in a manner befitting their position, and that they should be good role models.
In his royal address at the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament, the Johor ruler, a harsh critic of politicians, said there were times he was ashamed to see how politicians behaved in Parliament.
He hoped politicians will set a good example in Parliament, take care of their manners, and not insult each other. He also warned that the Speaker of the House had the authority to ban politicians for up to 14 days.
“I am new, barely a month as King, and I have a lot to learn,” said Sultan Ibrahim, who thanked his predecessor, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, for their service in the past five years.
“My speech today is more refined, compared to when I was in Johor. However, I am giving a chance today, so no one will be offended.
“But in the future, be careful,” he said.
Sultan Ibrahim said Parliament is the place for politicians to make laws and regulations, and hoped that MPs will follow the rules.
He also reminded politicians from both sides of the divide to serve the people first, adding that he would not stand for politicians who put their self-interest, or that of their political party, ahead of the people.
“I want to emphasise that I will not entertain any request to undermine the country’s political stability,” he said sternly.
“I want everyone to unite behind the government, as we need stability. If you want to play politics, wait for the next general election.
“The people must come first. I also do not want anyone to use the three Rs – race, religion, royalty – to stoke sentiments.”
Sultan Ibrahim also said he wanted government agencies to analyse how to improve their service delivery, as too much red tape makes life difficult for the people.
He also said he hoped that the government could attract more investments as many graduates with high qualifications are unable to find jobs.
In his speech, Sultan Ibrahim also expressed dismay over the country’s stagnant fiscal deficit position since 1998, which had put a large burden on the government.
He added that he will assess the government’s expenditure to ensure that public funds are spent correctly.
“Is this (financial position) the kind of burden that we wish our children and grandchildren to inherit?
The answer, Sultan Ibrahim said, lies in the hands of those in Parliament.
Sultan Ibrahim also urged Malaysia to use its position as Asean chair – starting in 2025 – to voice out against injustices and atrocities around the world.
“We need to be firm on the issue of Palestine and try to get the world to agree to a ceasefire,” he said.
“We must also find a way to channel aid to Gaza more quickly.”
Sultan Ibrahim also said he hopes Visit Malaysia Year 2026 can be a source of income, besides promoting our culture.
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